A C-type lectin (CLEC) is a type of carbohydrate-binding protein domain known as a lectin.[2] The C-type designation is from their requirement for calcium for binding.[3] Proteins that contain C-type lectin domains have a diverse range of functions including cell-cell adhesion, immune response to pathogens and apoptosis.[4][5]

Classification

Drickamer et al. classified C-type lectins into 7 subgroups (I to VII) based on the order of the various protein domains in each protein.[6] This classification was subsequently updated in 2002, leading to seven additional groups (VIII to XIV).[7] Most recently, three further subgroups were added (XV to XVII).[2]